The problem: What to do with kids who need extended time and readers on exams but do not have a resource room on their programs
The plan: Have the teacher drop the exam in a box in the library. Assign a teacher to the library every period so a reader will always be available. Tell the kids to go to the library to get the extra help and time.
The result: The plan is not working. The kids do not show up.
My take on why this happens:
1. Kids who need readers are too embarrassed to ask for the help, particularly if the help is coming from someone they do not know and it is more likely than not that they won't know the teacher doing the reading.
2. All kids, especially kids with learning disabilities need direction. They will not go seek out this help unless they are lead there. Over and over again, I see kids not wanting the help they are entitled to even when they are in their own comfort zone.
The librarian said no one ever comes for the extra help. A solution on paper that is not working is not a solution at all. The plan needs work, major work.
18 comments:
That is exactly the problem. Even in my own class it is difficult to get students that have IEP's to accept their testing modifications. You are right they are embarrassed. I usually track them down during another time or ask them to stay after class one at a time and explain that I will read exams to them and they cannot say no. Problem, not many teachers wnat to extend themselves. Sorry to say!
Yesm your school needs to implement another plan....one that works!
We'd love to hear of another plan if you have one, PO'd.
I'm not the AP earning $135,000 a year. That is the person that needs to solve the problem.
If I wanted to come up with solutions, I would have gone into administration.
Amen to that, Sista!! When we start earning 6 figures, we'll gladly take on that responsibility!
I had this problem in the class I teach with Funsucker. Our AP told the boy if he did not accept small group testing in math he would be unable to have it for the math standardized tests. Period.
He went to small group testing.
Our ISS AP would rather not have to deal with these kids. It is easier when they don't show up.
I guess this is where a smaller school (about 1500 students) comes in handy with its smaller faculty. I have my case load's teachers all on email - grouped together so I can shoot out emails just to them - and I keep track of who is testing when. We usually can coordinate with in a couple of days "my" kids and their testing needs. We just act like this is their normal - cause it is - and if I absolutely can't get to them before or during the time their regular ed. counterparts are taking it - they are to begin the test and we will work on it together then later. That way they aren't singled out by just sitting there doing nothing.
I have 15-18 students that I case manage - plus a full teaching & co-teaching load. Do you know what the sp.ed. teachers' case loads are for your school?
I don't know, but the key expression this year is "NO ECUSE" and all we hear are excuses.
The problem is that there have ALWAYS been kids who just do not want to be further stigmatized (in their minds)by taking advantage of their accommodations. Unless someone is hanging over them giving them a pep talk or almost literally taking them by the hand, they are very resistant. This is even more pronounced in a collaborative team teaching class where the kids with IEPs share the class with kids who learn without accommodations. I would speculate that the situation could intensify negative feelings that the IEP kids often already have acquired about their ability to learn. Many are embarrassed and would rather not be noticed.
How did the former iss AP handle this type
of thing?
I wouldn't have a clue. I haven't had IEP kids on my roster, at least not this many for years.
I guess that is something the new ISS AP should investigate.
So are you more upset at the amount iss students in your class? It sounds like you are redirecting your anger at this new ap. Have you had history with this person? I've followed your blog for quite some time... You seem to have an annual target for your rage...mr. Ap , suit, and now this person. Instead of stomping your feet, make your criticism constructive; otherwise nothing will ever get done. Have you ever brought these things to the attention of the ap? Or do you just wait for her to fail and pick up onthe opportunity to berate her by using code names and such here on this blog ? Why do you think these problems still exist ? If your gripes were legit, you would come out and
say it!
Just stating facts.
The AP can see what is wrong and do something or not. It is not my job to tell an administrator how to their job.
For years, I have pointed out things that were not right to admins, and nothing has ever gotten done.
I have no problem with ISS students in my classes. I have problems with seeing them mistreated.
As for rage, I am enraged every day as I see what is happening to education in this country. I don't have solutions, but, I am not an administrator. If you want the office, the bucks and the problem, you have to fix the problems, not cause them.
All the people you mentioned have caused problems and I have done my best to address them. I wonder why you are picking this person to defend when you never bothered to defend anyone else. I will bet you have a personal interest here.
This blog is a way to force action.
I don't know if 7:22 AM is a Packemin Person but having been in the school for 29 years prior to my retirement last June I know that nobody works harder and is more dedicated to the students than Pissed Off. Some of the administrators behavior is hard to believe unless you are there. Some teachers in the school act like fraternity pledges. Whwn they get mistreated they say Thank you sir/maam--May I have another paddle.
Any administrator will tell you to treat the students with dignity and respect. However not all administrators feel that teachers deserve the same.
Rita
Thanks for your kind words Rita. Whenever I start making people uncomfortable by telling the truth, someone out there starts attacking me. Diverting the topic seems to be the only defense available.
I'm pretty sure I know who 7:22 is and I won't let that person change the topic.
Therein lies the frustration so many teachers experience: The incompetence of administrators. Not all, but most. As for telling admins. how to do their jobs? I've been stupid enough to have done just that on several occasions during my career. It's a losing proposition - trust me. I am resigned to the fact that admins. want to maintain the status quo, and not be true change agents.
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